I actually have lots of things to do right now, but I'm kind of distracted about something. Yesterday was my country's independence day. My country is full of flaws, I'm sure, but it does not mean that Indonesia does not give me anything. Though small for some people, it contributes on my life's safety and well-being (I can safely eat and do my prayers here) and somehow I always want to show my gratitude. How? through hard work and by raising my hand, gesturing a respect to its flag...once a year for few damn seconds.
I attended the ceremony in my HQ in Jakarta and I was totally disappointed.
Why? Well, for some people...
"It's hot"
- 45 minutes under the sun can give you cancer
- I don't want to get sweaty and smelly
- It can burn my beautiful white skin
"It's symbolic. The most important thing is you work hard for your country"
I don't believe that shit. If you don't want to do even the smallest easiest gesture for your country, I don't believe you are willing to 'work hard' for it. If someone is unwilling even to give a penny to pauper, what makes you think he'll be willing to give up his car? See? Sugar Honey Ice Tea.
"I didn't raise my hand, but I nodded. I think it's the rule"
Nah, for me you are just lazy because I could not find one rule that says you just need to nod to a flag (well, unless you don't have a hand).
They Attended, Stood, and Talked
This is basic manner actually. If someone talks, you should shut your damn mouth and listen. It's called respect and it is one of the basis of civilized community. I heard people talking behind me from before the ceremony was started until it was finished 45 minutes later. I was amazed by his creativity to spout out such long lines of sentences and his ability to maintain his breath (maybe he breathes with his skin in addition of his lungs).
But then...it's just me. I cannot tell people to respect something. My sentences arose from my disappointments toward my fellow Indonesians and I fully realize that this is my reality, perhaps it's different from their points of view. I just hope that...they find their own ways to feel grateful for what this country has given them. And...you can call me an extremist for raising my hand in Indonesia's Independence Day.
Cheers,
Dya
Image was taken from http://th09.deviantart.net/fs71/PRE/i/2010/130/7/1/Indonesia_Grunge_Flag_by_think0.jpg
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